Admissions Office
Why did you choose Union?
My college search was a very long process. Coming from Rochester, I had a lot of local options to tour and choose from, but none of them really piqued my interest. I had visited Union a lot of times because my mom is an alumna who loves ReUnion weekend. I also visited a number of times for swim camps, and quickly realized my love for Union. For most of my high school career, Union was my top choice, but then I started focusing on some other schools.
When it came time to apply to colleges, I knew that I would apply to Union. But what I did not expect was the immediate reconnection I felt when I got accepted. As soon as I got in and started going to info sessions and admitted student chats, I knew Union College was the place for me. They reminded me of how much I loved it here. I decided to commit to Union because I knew that the community was more welcoming than any other university. Also, as an undecided student, I knew I would be able to try a variety of classes and eventually find a major that I would be successful in and enjoy.
How do you describe Union to your friends and family?
The first thing I mention to my friends and family about Union is the community and the people that make it special here. I explain how everyone is unique in their academic and extracurricular activities. One of the best parts of Union is that people come together despite different backgrounds and different interests/majors/minors. A lot of my friends do not share my major, but that’s what makes us all so special.
I also like to mention how professors really take the time to get to know students and push students to do their best. Then there’s the amount of activities that I can participate in at Union, even though we are a smaller college in a small city. I can go off campus and get good food; I can participate in a wide variety of clubs and athletics; I can try an art class or take a science with a lab; I can go to plays at Proctors Theatre; I can study in a STEM building or in the library; and I can even get Starbucks on campus! There is so much to do here and ways to make Union my own.
What has been your favorite class assignment at Union?
My favorite class assignment was my sophomore research paper that was about the impact of the media on the Riot Grrrl movement. This was the first time I did research on a topic that I was able to choose myself, and I really enjoyed the research aspect that I had not been exposed to before.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady?
My favorite thing to do off-campus in Schenectady is going to get food with friends at some of the restaurants around campus. I love walking to The Nest on weekends and going to Jumpin’ Jacks during Spring term to watch sunsets while sipping milkshakes.
